(Butternut Squash Bread)
This bread is one of numerous baked goods featured at Venzone’s Festa della Zucca. You may use any type of winter squash, such as butternut, acorn, or pumpkin—even canned pumpkin works well.
1 small butternut squash (about 1 to 1-1/2 pounds), halved lengthwise
1 package active dry yeast (2-1/4 teaspoons or 1/4 ounce)
1/4 cup sugar, divided
1/2 cup warm water (100° to 110°F)
2 eggs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon salt
3-3/4 cups all-purpose or bread flour
1/3 cup raisins
1/3 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
• • •
1 egg, beaten to blend
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Place the squash halves on a baking sheet. Bake until tender, about 40–45 minutes.
- When the squash is cool enough to handle, remove and discard the seeds and membrane. Scoop out enough flesh to measure 1 cup. (Reserve any extra for another use.) Place in a small bowl; mash well. Cool to room temperature.
- In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and a pinch of sugar in 1/2 cup warm water. Let rest until foamy, about 10 minutes.
- Whisk in the remaining sugar, mashed squash, eggs, melted butter, and salt. Gradually stir in the flour until the dough forms a solid mass. Stir in the raisins and walnuts.
- Using a mixer with a dough hook attachment, knead for 10 minutes. (It may be necessary to occasionally scrape the ball of dough off the hook.) Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead briefly by hand. (The dough should be smooth and elastic.)
- Form the dough into a ball. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let rise until doubled in size, about 1-1/2 hours.
- On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough into six equal sections. Roll each into a 12-inch-long rope. Form three ropes into a braid, tucking under the loose ends. Repeat with the remaining three ropes. Place the braided loaves on a baking sheet. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F, placing a pan filled with water on the bottom rack to create steam. Brush the loaves with beaten egg. Bake until golden brown, about 30–35 minutes.
Makes 2 loaves.